In a rivalry that began in 1963, Pleasant Valley defeated Pocono Mountain East 48-14 Friday night to keep the Old Oaken Bucket trophy for the third year in a row.

The Bears left little doubt about the outcome of the game. After recovering the opening kickoff fumble at the Cardinals’ 39 yard line and aided by a face mask penalty, Fela Olaniyan broke through the middle and carried three tacklers seven yards for the game’s first touchdown with 6:40 left in the first quarter.

On East’s next possession, Bears’ defensive back Leadell Burpo picked off an option pitch right and ran untouched for a 44-yard score and a 14-0 lead with six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Pleasant Valley (5-0) took a three touchdown lead on a six play drive that ended with a Jarod Moore blast off right tackle for a three yard touchdown.

East (1-4) scored on its next possession. On a third and nine from the Bears’ 44 yard line, quarterback Rasu Wearing-Poindexter kept the ball on an option to the left side and beat the Bears’ pursuit down the sideline for a 44-yard touchdown run.

The Bears four-minute drive to the Cardinals’ 20 yard line ended with a fumble recovery by East leaving the halftime score at 21-6 in favor of the home team.

At the start of the third, Pleasant Valley leaned on Olaniyan. He carried three times for 29 yards on a 52-yard scoring drive, ending with his 5-yard bolt off the left side for a 28-6 Pleasant Valley advantage.

With just nine seconds left in the third quarter, the Bears’ defense struck again. This time it was Mario Mondillo who tipped a sideline pass into his own hands and ran untouched 57 yards for a 34-6 lead heading into the final quarter.

Pleasant Valley coach Blaec Saeger was happy with his defense scoring two touchdowns on turnover.

“Our defense has played great all season and at times when our offense has struggled, they bailed us out. They haven’t had a bad stretch all year,” he said.

The Bears tacked on two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Valentino Byers-Robinson scored on a nine yard run and Alexander Ecker ran through the right side for a score with 3:50 left to play.

“We have a nice three-headed monster on offense with Valentino running the option,” said Saeger, “but it all starts with the offensive line opening up some nice holes all night long.”

Of course, Saeger was thrilled to keep the Oaken Bucket for three straight years “It’s special. It means a lot to our community. I’m honored to be a part of this tradition, but it’s about the kids. They’re the ones who really deserve it.”

A BUCKET OF BEARS ... Pleasant Valley leads the all-time Old Oaken Bucket series 36-26.

GROUND CONTROL ... Only four total passes were thrown in the game with no receptions as both teams featured a triple option offense that relies heavily on the ground game. Saeger said their one pass attempt at the end of the first half was “one too many for me,” but was quick to point out the passing game helped them beat Dieruff last week.

TRIPLE TROUBLE ... PV has a tough stretch ahead, playing at Parkland and Northampton before returning home to face Freedom.